Data Systems Officer at Plan International

POSITION SUMMARY:

• The Data Systems Officer will be responsible for supporting efforts to improve the capacity of county government health teams in data management systems. Reporting to the Senior Data Systems Advisor, the officer will support activities to improve the capacity of existing county-based national data management systems to generate complete, accurate and timely data for analysis and use by county health management teams and work to harmonize the use of existing systems at the county level.

Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position:

• The Data Systems Officer will support the Senior Data Systems Advisor to enhance capacity of project counties to show measurable improved capacity in the use of data systems, increased quality of entered data, use of data analytics and to facilitate interoperability between data systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Increase understanding and use of multiple data systems by county and sub-county staff.
• Strengthen quality of data systems.
• Align counties with national data system policies.
• Facilitate interoperability of multiple data systems at county and sub-county level.

Dealing with Problems:

• The post holder will demonstrate a high degree of analytical skills, planning, organizational and facilitation while introducing innovations needed to meet the demands of the operating environment.

Communications and Working Relationships:
Internal – High Contact:

• With staff of the Prime partner, Palladium and other sub-grantee staff and consultants.

External Relationships:

• Include working with government at the County, Sub-county and other lower levels; technical and administrative personnel from Plan Regional office in Kisumu, Nairobi and USNO; and any other as dictated by the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Behaviours, and Experience Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives:

• A bachelor’s degree in computer science or similar technology graduate degree with post-graduate level training preferred.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in conceptualizing, designing and implementing robust Management Information Systems preferably in social and development focused areas.
• Demonstrated experience in complex project data needs, data handling and use of data analysis technologies including software packages such as SPSS, STATA, Nvivo, Atlas and SAS in addition to knowledge of MS Access, PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to objectively analyze complex data primary and secondary data and present it in simple understandable information for diverse audience.
• Project work experience with open source technology, social media, online community portals, mobile technology, and on/off connectivity solutions.
• Experience working with Government of Kenya and bilateral/multi-lateral donor agencies, preferably USAID/USG funded projects.
• A team player with demonstrated ability to train and build capacity of others as well as being experienced in contributing to knowledge generation and project learning agenda among partners including government structures.
• Excellent interpersonal, facilitation, writing, and oral presentation skills.
• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform.

Skills specific to the post:
Leadership

• Represent the project before both national and county data system technical working groups.
• Establish and maintain a productive relationships with key stakeholders, including national and county government officials, NGOs and community groups for smooth implementation.
• Work collaboratively with other project team members to ensure necessary program planning, development, resource availability and management activities function smoothly and efficiently.
• Participate in project review and planning meetings.
• Support the Learning and Knowledge Management team in identifying and documenting best practices shared learning.

Management

• Coordinate technical support from other CMLAP staff, Plan Kenya and Plan US staff.
• Build capacity of county and sub-county teams, project staff, and coordinating partners.
• Represent the project in data system and M&E related activities as delegated by the project Management.
• Contribute to timely, accurate and appropriate reporting of project activities and results to USAID, including quarterly and annual reports.
• Other duties as required.

Competencies and values:

• Respect, integrity, diversity, commitment to excellence, adaptability, able to perform under stress, innovation, building relationships, communicating effectively, coaching and mentoring, developing and working in teams, initiating action, planning and organizing.
• Promote and abide by Plan policies and procedures including but not limited to: Gender equality mainstreaming, Child Protection Policy; Code of Conduct and the related mandatory reporting responsibilities.

Values

• Commitment to Plan International Kenya’s values.

Level of Contact with Children:

• Low-level interaction with children.

Physical Environment and Demands:

• Typically office environment with moderate field visit demands.